Gravitas Ventures
A leading independent film distribution company with access to major digital and physical platforms
Overview
Gravitas Ventures is one of the largest independent film distributors in North America, offering both digital and physical distribution across a wide range of platforms. The company has distributed thousands of titles and works with filmmakers at every level of the industry.
Filmmakers submit their projects for consideration, and if selected, Gravitas handles the entire distribution pipeline including platform delivery, marketing support, and revenue management. The company distributes to platforms like iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, and cable VOD services.
How It Works
Gravitas is known for being more accessible than traditional studio distributors while still offering significant reach. They accept a wide variety of genres and formats, making them a viable option for many independent projects.
Distribution terms vary by project and are negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Interested filmmakers should contact Gravitas directly to discuss their specific title and distribution goals.
Who Uses It
A strong choice for filmmakers who want professional distribution infrastructure without signing with a major studio. Their track record and platform relationships make them one of the most reliable independent distribution partners available.
Pricing & Plans
Gravitas Ventures negotiates distribution terms on a case-by-case basis, with deal structures varying based on the project's commercial potential, genre, cast, festival history, and distribution scope. Terms may include revenue-sharing arrangements, minimum guarantees for certain titles, or hybrid models combining upfront payments with ongoing revenue splits. The specific revenue share percentages, contract duration, and territorial rights are discussed during the acquisitions process and vary significantly between projects. Some deals include marketing support and promotional commitments from Gravitas, while others are distribution-only arrangements where the filmmaker handles their own marketing. Gravitas distributes across both digital platforms (iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, cable VOD) and physical media (Blu-ray, DVD through retail and online channels), with the distribution scope affecting the deal terms. Filmmakers interested in working with Gravitas should submit their projects through the company's website and be prepared to discuss their film's commercial strategy, target audience, and marketing plans during the evaluation process.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Gravitas Ventures has distributed thousands of independent titles across every major digital and physical platform, providing a level of distribution infrastructure and platform relationships that individual filmmakers cannot replicate independently. The company's willingness to work with a wide variety of genres, budgets, and project types makes it more accessible than many traditional distributors who focus exclusively on commercial titles with major festival pedigrees. Gravitas's cable VOD distribution capability — placing your film on cable on-demand services — provides access to a revenue stream that most digital-only distributors and aggregators cannot offer, reaching audiences who browse their cable provider's on-demand menu rather than streaming platforms. The company's physical media distribution through retail channels provides another revenue channel that is difficult to access independently, as getting Blu-ray and DVD titles into stores requires established retail relationships. Gravitas's marketing team can provide promotional support including trailer placement, social media promotion, and press outreach that individual filmmakers would need to hire separately. The company's long track record and established reputation in the independent distribution space provide confidence that they have the operational stability and industry relationships to deliver on their distribution commitments.
What Could Be Better
The case-by-case deal structure means there is no pricing transparency, and filmmakers have limited leverage when negotiating with an established distribution company that has significantly more market knowledge and negotiating experience. Some Gravitas deals include long-term rights commitments that tie up your content for extended periods, and filmmakers should carefully review contract terms to understand what rights they are granting and for how long. The revenue share percentages in some deals may be less favorable than what filmmakers could achieve through self-distribution via aggregators like FilmHub, particularly for titles that could generate meaningful direct sales through filmmaker-driven marketing. Not all submissions are accepted, and the evaluation process can take time, potentially delaying your distribution timeline if you are waiting on a Gravitas decision before pursuing alternative distribution strategies. Marketing support is not guaranteed in all deals and varies based on the project's perceived commercial potential, meaning some titles receive significant promotional investment while others are essentially listed with minimal marketing. The distribution landscape is highly competitive, and even with Gravitas's platform relationships, individual titles must still compete for viewer attention against thousands of other films on every platform.
Our Recommendation
Gravitas Ventures is recommended for filmmakers with polished, commercially viable independent films who want professional distribution support and access to both digital and physical media channels that they cannot reach on their own. The company is best suited for titles that have some combination of festival recognition, notable cast, strong genre appeal, or built-in audience that gives them a realistic chance of generating meaningful revenue across multiple platforms. First-time filmmakers without festival selections or commercial hooks should consider starting with aggregators like FilmHub for their initial distribution, and then approaching Gravitas for subsequent projects that have stronger commercial profiles. If you are weighing Gravitas against self-distribution through an aggregator, consider whether the marketing support, cable VOD access, and physical media distribution that Gravitas offers justify any additional revenue share compared to retaining more of your earnings through a simpler aggregator arrangement. Submit to Gravitas early in your distribution planning process, as the evaluation and deal negotiation timeline can take weeks or months, and you want to have alternative distribution strategies ready if Gravitas passes on your project.
Pro Tips
Prepare a professional submission package including a screener link, professional key artwork, a compelling synopsis, festival laurels, cast bios, and any press coverage or audience metrics that demonstrate your film's commercial potential. Have a clear understanding of your film's target audience, comparable titles, and marketing strategy before entering discussions with Gravitas, as demonstrating market awareness and commercial thinking strengthens your negotiating position. Review any proposed contract carefully with an entertainment attorney before signing, paying particular attention to rights duration, territorial scope, revenue split, accounting provisions, and termination clauses. Ask specific questions about what marketing and promotional support will be provided as part of the deal, as vague promises about marketing should be replaced with concrete commitments written into the distribution agreement. Maintain your own marketing efforts even after signing with Gravitas, as the films that perform best with any distributor are those where the filmmaker and the distribution partner are both actively promoting the title to their respective audiences.
